Wood Burning and Multi Fuel Stoves That Are
DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves Approved
The DEFRA approved stoves for wood burning and multi-fuel which are also referred to as Defra Smoke Exempt stoves, have passed the strict emission tests. This means they can be used in UK cities and towns that are classed as smoke control zones.
A stunning contemporary styled stove from ACR that is EcoDesign 2022-ready and comes with DEFRA approval that allows it to be used in a smoke-free area.
Defra Approved
If you live in a Smoke Control Area in the UK and you want to burn wood in your stove you'll need an DEFRA approved or Defra exempt appliance. This is because DEFRA stands for Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the government bans the release of noxious smoke into towns and cities where it can cause an issue for residents. The appliances have passed rigorous tests to ensure that particulate emissions are significantly decreased, and are qualified to pass the strict Defra smoke tests.
The Defra logo or DEFRA exemption logo is widely recognized and is widely used by the industry. You'll often see it printed or engraved on the stove itself, but there are occasions when you'll see the words on specification sheets. There are models that are DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. This means they can be used with solid and wood fuels.
A Defra approved wood burning stove has undergone extensive tests to determine the amount of particulate matter that it produces. It will be in compliance with the Clean Air Act if it has a minimum amount of combustion air to ensure that the fuel is burned efficiently and does not produce too much fume. They are generally more eco-friendly than stoves that are not Defra-approved and can help you reduce your heating costs too.
Defra approved wood burning stoves are particularly beneficial for those who live in Smoke Control Area. If you are using a stove that is not approved by Defra in a Smoke Control Area and you're breaking the law and could be slapped with a huge fine. A Defra approved stove will also be more considerate of neighbors as it won't produce any nuisance smoke and will generally mean that your chimney and flue system will remain cleaner for longer too.
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove may also allow you to legally install a 5kW stove with stainless steel twin wall flexible liner (provided the manufacturer doesn't require an increased diameter). It's worth looking into this option if trying to save money by not having to buy an entirely new chimney.
DEFRA recognized stoves Exempt
A DEFRA approved stove is a vital piece of equipment if you live in a zone that is smoke-free. The stoves have gone through rigorous testing to ensure that they emit a minimum amount of emissions, which reduces the amount of particulate matter (PM10) in your home.
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves have an 'Defra Approved DEFRA Exempt' logo on their specification. Stoves with the logo have been tested independently and meet strict smoke control requirements.
It is crucial to note that you are not able to use Defra Exempt stoves to burn dry wood in Smoke Control Zone as this will produce a nuisance smoke. It is also not permitted to use non-Defra approved multi fuel stoves unless you are located in a Smoke Control Area as this will also create PM10 in your home and could lead to a hefty fine from the local council.
Multi fuel stoves that have been approved by Defra are designed to burn smokeless coal and wood without producing any unpleasant smoke. They achieve this with the latest combustion technology which doesn't restrict airflow to the firebox, a process known as slumbering. When stoves are left to sleep for a long time, they will often emit excessive black smoke which is not good for your chimney, your stove, or your health.
Stovax Vogue Small is a good example of a multi-fuel stove that's Defra Exempt and high quality. This popular wood burning fireplace is highly efficient, with a maximum output of 5kW. It also features an inbuilt log storage base, which makes it ideal for taller fireplace openings.
Another Defra Approved multi wood burner is the ACR Earlswood LS. The Earlswood multi-fuel stove has also been subjected to extensive testing to ensure that it meets the strict DEFRA standards for particulate emission. It is able to be used in smoke-controlled areas and burns a range of wood and smokeless fuels.
A multi-fuel stove which is DEFRA Exempt can be an inexpensive option to replace your chimney lining. Due to the fact that they all have a 5" chimney outlet, you can use an stainless twin wall with a 125mm diameter flexible liner instead of the standard 6" (150mm). This is especially cost-effective when there isn't enough space to accommodate a larger liner. It could also be beneficial if the chimney stack has a curly bend which make it difficult to install a 6" chimney liner.
Smoke Control Areas
A large portion of the UK are designated as Smoke Control Areas which means that if you fit an open fire or wood-burning stove in your residence, you are required to only use fuels that are approved for burning within it. This legislation was enacted to prevent nuisance smoke from affecting neighboring properties, and to keep the environment clean. However, it does not prohibit the use of appliances that burn solid fuel and stoves if they meet certain requirements.
DEFRA guidelines stoves approved stoves (also known as Defra-exempt stoves) are an excellent choice if you live in a smoking control area. They have been specially tested and meet these requirements.
A Defra approved stove can burn all approved fuels, including wood, without producing excessive smoke. To achieve this, the combustion technology used in a Defra approved stove has been designed to limit how depleted the stove is of air during the combustion process. Normally this is achieved by using special baffles within the stove which redirect airflow and prevent it from exiting the stove.
The most DEFRA-approved stoves include a feature called 'clean burn' which allows combustibles that have been partially burned, such as ash and soot to be combustible and released through the chimney, not into the room. This feature blocks combustibles which are partially burned from re-entering the stove and causing a build-up which would eventually cause black smoke.
If you fit stoves that have Defra exemption, it is important that you only burn the specific types of fuels that are allowed in it, as failing to do so could result in fines under the Clean Air Act. This is particularly the case when you're burning damp wood or any other wet fuel which will produce fumes that are noxious. Go through the manual for your stove or your supplier to determine which fuels are permitted in your stove.
Gr8Fires have a selection of DEFRA exempt stoves that can be used in smoke-free areas. For instance, the Dimplex Langbrook is a stylish woodburning stove which is Defra exempt and can be used with any of the authorised fuels. The model is available in different heat outputs, and comes in a variety of styles, including a modern matt black finish.
Heat Output
If you see the
DEFRA approved British stoves approved symbol on a stove, it indicates that it is suitable for use within the smoke control zone burning wood or other permitted fuels. The
DEFRA recommended stoves approval process involves strict examination and testing to ensure that the stove satisfies the Department of Environment's requirements for low emissions and high efficiency in combustion. These features make the stove more efficient at heating your home, which helps to reduce your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
There are a variety of multi-fuel stoves that have been approved by Defra, ranging from small models that have 4kW to larger models with 5kW.